Friday, December 18, 2015

Living Without Internet

I haven't had internet at home for two
years.

It started when I moved to Spain.
Before that, I'd always had internet in Canada. I couldn't imagine
being without it. Even at work, I was always
online. When I didn't have plans to go out, I didn't mind because I
could stay home and entertain myself with my computer.

Then I moved to Villacarrillo. With my limited Spanish, it was difficult as hell reading the
contracts and stipulations on internet company websites. At the only computer store in the village, the clerk said he'd look for a company
that wouldn't force me to sign a one-year contract (auxiliary
contracts are only worth 8 months of salary). “Te
llamo,” he said to
me. I thought I'd understood him.

Except
I returned to his shop the next day. I obviously had no idea that he
said he would call me. “Nooooo,
te LLAMO.” he
bellowed. Oops. I never did get that internet. The difficulty in
signing up for it was too much.

But I learned to
live without it. I learned to get a cheap mobile data provider, so I
could use Whatsapp and check email on my phone. I used WiFi at my
workplaces so that I could Skype.

Stealing my friend's internet

A
Canadian friend, who taught English for years in Korea and Turkey,
told me she purposely didn't get internet because it forced her to go
to internet cafes or pilfer WiFi at eating establishments. In
essence, it forced her to get out of the house and interact with
society. I agree that not having internet makes you integrate with
your community. Unfortunately, this year the internet access at my
workplaces isn't great. However, when planning lessons it forces me
to be creative and rely on more “organic” activities, rather than
Youtube videos or fancy presentations. Recently I walked into a 5th
grade class without any planning whatsoever. I suddenly remembered a
question and answer game I'd read about, and explained the rules to
the kids on the spot. They ended up loving it so much that they've
played it over and over again. I'm glad they love a game where
everyone is obligated to speak and practice their English.

I'm sure in the
future I'll sign up for home internet. Hopefully by then, I'll feel
the lull of the outside world calling me, shut down my computer each afternoon, and step out into the community.

Have you ever dreamt of not having internet at home? Would you try it? Share you thoughts below.